Patents by Inventor Mark A. Nelson

Mark A. Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8540434
    Abstract: A connector assembly for optically coupling a first optical device mounted on a first substrate to a second optical device mounted on a second substrate, where the first and second substrates are orthogonally oriented to each other, is presented. The connector assembly includes two connectors. The first connector has an optical waveguide array. The optical waveguide array further includes multiple parallel optical waveguides that are continuously redirected by a mirror oriented at a 45 degree angle to the optical waveguides. Likewise, the second connector also has an optical waveguide array further include multiple parallel optical waveguides continuously redirected by a mirror oriented at a 45 degree angle to the optical waveguides. The first connector is oriented orthogonally to the second connector and the first and second connectors are optically welded together in a back-to-back configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James N. Kruchowski, Vladimir Sokolov, Mark A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130241732
    Abstract: An attachment detection method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computer processor of a computing system, attachment data describing different devices associated with and attachable to an electro/mechanical apparatus. The computer processor retrieves first data describing a first attachment device currently attached to the electro/mechanical apparatus and analyzes the attachment data with respect to the first data. In response to the analysis, the computer processor determines specified protective gear required for operation of the electro/mechanical apparatus and the first attachment device. The computer processor generates indication data specifying required usage of the specified protective gear and presents the indication data to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8514085
    Abstract: An intelligent switching method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of an intelligent switching device, detection data indicating that an individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus. The intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus. The computer processor receives a request from an individual for enabling the apparatus. The computer processor determines that the individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus and generates an enable signal. The enable signal enables a power signal for the apparatus. The computer processor indicates that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20130202292
    Abstract: In an n-node optical communications system, energy harvesting photodetectors at each node receive extraneous electromagnetic wavelengths that are not used for communication or other purposes by the associated node. The energy harvesting photodetectors convert the unused electromagnetic energy into reusable electrical energy. The harvested electrical energy may be used as auxiliary power at the node or elsewhere in the communication system, or stored in a battery, capacitor, or other energy storage device. The system may be used in an “all-to-all” broadcast and select communication scheme or in some other broadcast and select interconnect system that has extraneous wavelengths at node receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Vladimir Sokolov, James N. Kruchowski, Mark A. Nelson, Nathan E. Harff
  • Publication number: 20130178955
    Abstract: A safeguard method and system. The method includes receiving and analyzing apparatus data associated with an electro/mechanical apparatus. A type, mode, and state of the electro/mechanical apparatus are determined and a list of associated safeguard devices is generated and presented to a user. A selection for a safeguard device is received and it is determined if the safeguard device is currently present. In response, a specified action is executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nadine M. Ellison-Marion, Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8465344
    Abstract: A method of producing a grinding wheel is provided. An outer profile of an outer surface of the grinding wheel is formed with a rotary dresser element, so that the outer profile corresponds to a dressing profile of the rotary dresser element. An inner profile of an inner surface of the grinding wheel is formed with the rotary dresser element, so that the inner surface corresponds to the dressing profile of the rotary dresser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gordon Lanes, Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 8467230
    Abstract: A circuit and method erase at power-up all data stored in a DRAM chip for increased data security. All the DRAM memory cells are erased by turning on the transistors for the DRAM storage cells simultaneously by increasing the body voltage of cells. In the example circuit, the body voltage is increased by a charge pump controlled by a power-on-reset (POR) signal applying a voltage to the p-well of the memory cells. The added voltage to the p-well lowers the threshold voltage of the cell, such that the NFET transistor of the memory cell will turn on. With all the devices turned on, the data stored in the memory cells is erased as the voltage of all the cells connected to a common bitline coalesce to a single value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Todd Alan Christensen, Travis Reynold Hebig, Michael Launsbach, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 8456308
    Abstract: An attachment detection method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computer processor of a computing system, attachment data describing different devices associated with and attachable to an electro/mechanical apparatus. The computer processor retrieves first data describing a first attachment device currently attached to the electro/mechanical apparatus and analyzes the attachment data with respect to the first data. In response to the analysis, the computer processor determines specified protective gear required for operation of the electro/mechanical apparatus and the first attachment device. The computer processor generates indication data specifying required usage of the specified protective gear and presents the indication data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20130110634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data. A disclosed example method involves receiving geographic location information associated with a mobile phone user, associating the geographic location information with an identifier unrelated to personal information associated with the mobile phone user, identifying a home location associated with the geographic location information, and associating segmentation information with the identifier based on the home location and without referencing personal information of the mobile phone user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Laura Cochran, David R. Miller, Jeff Stevens, Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 8411907
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes performing a computer processor of a computing system, a facial recognition process of an individual associated with a device. The computer processor retrieves from a detection device, eyewear detection data indicating that the individual is correctly wearing eyewear and tint detection data indicating that the eyewear comprises tinted lenses. In response, the computer processor analyzes results of the facial recognition process, the eyewear detection data, and the tint detection data. The computer processor modifies functions associated with the first device in response to results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20130042239
    Abstract: A virtual assembly builder for use in virtualization environments, which can be used as a tool for virtualizing installed components in a reference environment, modifying those components if necessary, and then deploying them into another/target environment. Using the virtual assembly builder, a user (e.g., an administrator) can capture the configuration and product/component binaries of existing software components into software appliance artifacts. Appliances can be grouped, and their relationships defined, into software assembly artifacts. Logical connections between appliances within an assembly can be reconfigured by a process of assembly editing. When a desired assembly configuration has been achieved, the assembly can be prepared for, and deployed into, the target environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard p. Mousseau, Mark Nelson, Jon Richards, Troy Schulz, Keith Kelleman, Mark Spotswood, Jeff Berkowitz
  • Patent number: 8367895
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. Target polynucleotides for specific protein classes and target polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or active variants or fragments thereof are provided, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more sequences in the target pest controls the pest. Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. Plants, plant part, bacteria and host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rafael Herrmann, Michael Lassner, Albert L. Lu, Mark Nelson, James K. Presnail, Janet A. Rice
  • Patent number: 8340685
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data. A disclosed example method involves receiving geographic location information associated with a mobile phone user, associating the geographic location information with an identifier unrelated to personal information associated with the mobile phone user, identifying a home location associated with the geographic location information, and associating segmentation information with the identifier based on the home location and without referencing personal information of the mobile phone user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Laura Cochran, David R. Miller, Jeff Stevens, Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120313769
    Abstract: A rollover warning system for a vehicle includes: a base control inertial measurement unit with a plurality of sensors and a computer. The plurality of sensors measures a plurality of vehicle measurements. The plurality of vehicle measurements include at least two of: a longitudinal acceleration measurement; a lateral acceleration measurement; a vertical acceleration measurement; a roll rate measurement; a yaw rate measurement; and combinations thereof. Optionally, a pitch rate gyro for pitch measurement can be added for additional functionality, such as a vertical slope warning, or it can also be input into the predictive algorithm for defining additional vehicle hazardous operation states and conditions. The computer calculates a Rollover Risk Estimate based on the plurality of vehicle measurements taken by the plurality of sensors in the inertial measurement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Todd J. Holbert, David J. Holden, David C. Nelson, Mark A. Nelson, James M. Wyler
  • Patent number: 8326443
    Abstract: An apparatus control method and system. The method includes disabling by a computer processor of a computing system, an apparatus. The computer processor retrieves detection data, safety gear detection data, and safety gear indication data. The computer processor analyzes the detection data, the safety gear detection data, and the safety gear indication data and in response to results of the analysis, the computer processor enables the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20120290424
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a recommendation for packing an item at a point of sale (POS). A preference indicating a maximum bag weight is received at a POS device. The weight of a next item to be packed is determined. Based on the maximum bag weight preference and based on the determined weight of the item, the recommendation for packing the item is determined by selecting a bag from multiple bags that are available to pack items to be purchased by a customer. The bag is selected so that a sum of the weight of the item and a weight of zero or more other items already packed in the bag does not exceed the maximum bag weight preference. The recommendation for packing the item in the selected bag is presented to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8308659
    Abstract: A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded member including wire guide in a back and forth translation. As the movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Grant A. Scheibe, Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 8283524
    Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc
    Inventors: Andre R. Abad, Hua Dong, Susan B. Lo, Mark Nelson, Xiaomei Shi, Clement W. K. Waine, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8159260
    Abstract: A circuit and method increases the repeatability of physically undetectable functions (PUFs) by enhancing the variation of signal delay through two delay chains during chip burn-in. A burn-in circuit holds the inputs of the two delay chains at opposite random values during the burn-in process. All the PFETs in the delay chains with a low value at the input will be burned in with a higher turn on voltage. Since the PFETs affected in the two delay chains are driven by opposite transitions at burn-in, alternating sets of delay components in the two delay chains are affected by the burn-in cycle. Under normal operation, both of the delay chains see the same input so only one chain has an increase in delay to achieve a statistically reliable difference in the two delay paths thereby increasing the overall repeatability of the PUF circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Derick Gardner Behrends, Todd Alan Christensen, Travis Reynold Hebig, Daniel Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120089125
    Abstract: A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded slider block in a back and forth translational manner. As that translational movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Grant Scheibe, Mark Nelson, Nick Kampa, Aaron Opbroek, Tom Walch